British rock band Sweet is a Rock Music Phenomena that has taken every continent by storm for more than five decades. The Golden Thread that links the past through to the present and into the future is Andy Scott. His determination to maintain high standards with the band’s musical legacy and touring is legendary. The band today has an illustrious pedigree recreating “live” the high energy and soaring vocals associated with the Sweet sound that is the band’s trademark.
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From their first gig on New Years in 1976 until today Rose Tattoo have rarely strayed from their mantra of being the best bar room blues based rock band in the world. For 47 years the one constant is the band’s lead vocalist Angry Anderson whose vocals tell the story of bars, booze, fights and love, mostly lost.
It was almost 23 years ago that Jebediah first shambled on stage in their shorts, sneakers, blue hair, dimples, grins and smirks and started bouncing off the walls with their roaring riffs and soaring pop hooks, tearing the lid off the Big Day Out and the Hottest 100 overnight. It’s impossible for an Australian of a certain vintage to imagine those late ’90s summers without those delirious early Jebs singles blasting out of every car radio and festival PA from Summersault to the Falls to Homebake. 23 years, six albums and piles of awards and acclaim later, the Jebs continue to captivate their devout fan base with their infectious energy and enthusiasm.
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Southern Sons, the iconic band from the 1990s are returning to their roots and revisiting the songs that kickstarted their music careers, bringing music lovers a nostalgic journey through their timeless hits. Original members Jack Jones, Geoff Cain, and Peter ‘Reggie’ Bowman will come together to deliver an unforgettable experience, featuring chart-topping classics like “Hold Me In Your Arms” and “Heart in Danger,” among others.
Ash Grunwald has inspired a generation to hit the road in an old beat-up old van to ‘surf by day jam by night’. Throughout his career, he has supported legends James Brown, The Black Keys, Jack Johnson, Xavier Rudd, and Keith Urban, among numerous others, and played sold out festivals across Europe, Japan, and North America. With six Australian Top-50 albums to his credit, alongside five ARIA and four AIR Award Nominations, two APRA Awards, and gong for Best International Act at the LA Music Critic Awards.
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Singer-songwriter, Chris Shupe, grew up listening to and playing music with friends and family in a small town in Georgia. As a child, he was heavily influenced by country music legends such as Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, and Brooks & Dunn. In his teen years and early twenties, Chris decided to step into the rock world, where he was successful and eventually shared the stage with several world-renowned artists and bands.
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Mike Elrington is a gifted singer songwriter with incredible guitar skills. Standing at almost two metres tall, delivering his signature, gut-wrenching vocals like an instrument all on its own, very few people forget a performance from this man. The commitment to his live shows and the well-earned reputation for leaving nothing behind but sweat has seen him invited to perform at some of Australia’s finest festivals, including the iconic Byron Bay BluesFest, Bendigo, Sydney Blues and Roots Festivals & Blues on Broadbeach to name but a few.
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Born the Son of a preacher, Dan’s love of music started with listening to hymns and playing the drums in church on Sunday mornings as a child. By his teens he found Rock & Roll and formed his first punk band straight out of high school. He began writing songs and fronting pub rock gigs around Northern NSW. The band self-toured Australia in a truck loaded with music gear, ending with a set at the Gold Coast’s Big Day Out. Since then Hannaford has earned a reputation as one of the hardest working, independent solo musicians on the East Coast. He’s grown a loyal grassroots following and sold thousands of CDs from his vintage wooden ammo box.
Kieran McCarthy is an original Songwriter who has lived in Airlie Beach for 25 years. He has recorded 6 albums to date and sold over 10,000 copies. His recording career began in the day of cavernous studios with 2” tape and progressed to the wonders of laptops and digital modems. He has won a number of Songwriting awards for his music and his most recent album Flash As A Rat, was launched in November 2014.
Andrew Cousins is a seasoned musician hailing from Port Macquarie, NSW, who has captivated audiences across Australia and New Zealand with his soulful tunes. As a full -time busker, he has graced the streets and cities of Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart and Auckland, sharing his musical prowess and storytelling abilities. Andrew’s musical journey has seen him perform at esteemed venues and festivals, including multiple appearances at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, where he clinched victory in the Song Writing Competition with his heartfelt track, “Islands of Love”.
Matt Tandy is a seasoned blues and roots multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter. His repertoire ranges from foot-stomping roots to heartwarming ballads. Armed with a guitar, harmonica, and foot stomp, he orchestrates a musical journey that resonates with an audience. He seamlessly weaves emotive storytelling with a fusion of soulful blues melodies and catchy hooks. This one-man band is not to be missed
At the age of seven in small town Australia, Karen Jacobsen saw Olivia Newton-John on television and knew what she wanted to do with her life. She wanted to become a professional singer and move to America. Driven to follow her dream, and born to light up the stage, Karen moved to New York City with one suitcase and became an award-winning Singer and Songwriter. Musical career highlights include: sharing the stage with Norah Jones, Neil Sedaka, Cyndi Lauper and Christopher Cross, singing the national anthem at major sporting events (Madison Square Garden, Fenway Park, Dodger Stadium, for 80,000 at Giants Stadium for a New York Jets game, Queensland’s Suncorp Stadium for an Australia vs South Africa Tri Nations International Rugby Game for 52,000) and licensing her songs to network television.
Warwick Hargreaves and Tina Fullerton’s stripped back guitar, double bass and vocal blend is a grooving, soothing, sonic elixir in amongst a bustling soundscape. Their original bluesy lounge tunes, along side a few unexpected, reimagined contemporary favourites, make this musical duo a cool change and crowd favourite from festivals to cafes worldwide.
A musician of integrity and acclaim, songwriter Ben Evolent’s folk-alt-meets-country-blues sound has become a mainstay on stages and festivals throughout the country over the past 15years. Across his two EPs and debut Album ‘Wanderous’ Ben Evolent has developed a ragged and lively style deeply rooted in the spirit of song. Having cut his musical teeth in a decade spent in the Northern Territory, he drew inspiration from his vivid experiences there while establishing his versatility as a songwriter, delving into alt-country and foot-stomping blues whilst also expanding his more elegant folk side.
Jolly Jingo is heading to ABFoM on the back of his New Zealand tour. He is as entertaining as his name pertains, bringing his original Blues, Country, Rock Style to the stage. A multi-instrumentalist combining percussion foot work, harmonica, and guitar keeps it live and raw with audience participation. Born in Newcastle, NSW and having played Gympie Muster, Adelaide Fringe, KickAss Festival, Weddings, Funerals, Churches and Sexfests he has crafted his art and humour to suit any occasion… hence his motto”how good is life!!”Having played at the festival 5 times in the past Jolly Jingo returns for his 6th festival and ready rock in the way only he can!
Sam McCann a local talented acoustic singer-songwriter. With a voice as sweet as his songwriting style, Sam’s easy-listening approach is perfect for creating the perfect ambiance at your intimate event, whether it’s a wedding or a corporate function. With years of experience under his belt, Sam brings a wealth of musical expertise to his performances, delivering a truly unforgettable experience. From classic hits to modern favourites, Sam’s vast repertoire means he can cater to a wide range of musical tastes.
Rebelquin is a musical force to be reckoned with. She is redefining the music scene with her powerful, soulful voice and captivating performances. Known as “The Sultry Songstress ofRock,” Rebelquin combines raw talent with a unique bluesy/indie rock style. An unmissable edition to any lineup. Rebelquin is a musical force to be reckoned with. The Sultry Songstress is redefining the music scene with her powerful, soulful voice and captivating performances. Combining raw talent with a unique bluesy/indie rock style, Rebelquin is an unmissable act that mesmerises audiences from every stage she graces.
Josiah is a self-taught musician originating from the beautiful country of New Zealand. His musical journey began at a young age, when he picked up a guitar and taught himself how to play. With a natural talent for music and a deep passion for creating soulful melodies, Josiah quickly honed his skills and developed his own unique style. After years of playing and practicing, Josiah made the bold decision to pursue his music career full-time. He made the move to Airlie Beach, Australia, where he now resides and shares his music with audiences far and wide. Armed with just his guitar and his soulful voice, Josiah captivates listeners with his blend of Reggae roots, pop, Funky grooves, with a hint of country.
Mo McMorrow is a Canadian Aussie with an Irish lilt and a Texas twang after decade-long residencies all those places. As a well-traveled whirlwind of creative energy Mo delights audiences with her well crafted songs that grab cliches by the neck and twists their head off. As a performer she sparkles with life, one moment making you laugh and the next floating you out to the stars to look down on our planet with a full heart.
‘Corey’s Blues Explosion’ is an ever evolving commodity coming through the ages of time, blending fundamental OG riffs from the 60s and 70s, with modern explosive sounds.
Corey has made top 10 charts on triple J unearthed Blues and Roots genre, to the hottest 100 triple J unearthed chart.
His sounds can be found on Spotify and YouTube. He’s been an accredited APRA artist for more than 10 years, and continues to promote powerful original music, throughout his local earthplace ‘The magical Whitsundays Islands’..
Corey has played live at venues in all states of OZ, performed at festivals from Adelaide to North Queensland, and touched the shores of Asia with his original, smooth, funky, at times heavy blues-rock style fusion.
Sophie Rose Raymond is the lead singer of Raining Roses, a rock/pop band from Rockhampton. She has been writing songs and performing on various stages since she was 11 years old. Originally a country/folk singer, Sophie learned her craft by competing in country music festivals in her early teens and performing at many festivals and events around Queensland. She recorded an album called “Reawakened” with Bill Chambers in 2018 which was released at The Tamworth Country Music Festival. In 2020 Raining Roses was created and collaborating with her bandmates allowed her to explore a more pop/rock and blues sound.
JJJ’s Richard Kingsmill wrote in Rolling Stone Magazine Tasmanian young guns, ‘VINYL’, were a band to watch out for and singer, Brent, ‘is twice as Lennon as Liam (Gallagher)’ in 1996. Following being ‘Unearthed’, appearing on ABC’s ‘Recovery’ and “ROVE’ as a member of Melbourne indie pop/rock group, ‘EVEN’, Brent went overseas to pursue a solo career. Several albums and singles have been released with Roll It Out Records on Bandcamp.
Brought up on island upbeat reggae, and music that gets right into the soul that originates from my NZ roots and upbringing. As covers and corporate and island weddings have been my thing these last few years on Hamilton Island, Now based in Mackay I am so excited to bring my own fragrance and vibe to this amazing Airlie Beach festival. What I love doing is taking people through a journey of good vibes of my own original feels, and add a cover here and there that will make you think that’s a nice feel to that ole school song, Island vibes and soulful voice and grooves is what I will be playing.
